Last chance for Emery to impress Hawks

Team will choose veteran or rookie Salak as backup after Sunday's game

October 01, 2011|By Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune reporter

Goalie Ray Emery blocks a shot against the Penguins in the third period of a preseason game at the United Center. (Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune)

At the end of another raucous national anthem at the United Center, goaltender Ray Emery skated hard to the crease, stopped and bent over with his head under the crossbar for a good 30 seconds.

The veteran was alone with his thoughts before Friday night's exhibition game against the Penguins, a contest that might have gone a long way toward determining the Hawks' backup goalie spot behind starter Corey Crawford.

Emery, who is in camp on a tryout basis, wasn't particularly sharp as he yielded three goals on 13 shots over the first two periods in a game the Hawks lost 4-2. Afterward, coach Joel Quenneville said the winner of the battle between Emery and rookie Alexander Salak still hadn't been determined. A decision will be made following the final exhibition game Sunday against the Capitals in Washington. Emery or Salak — or both — could see action.

It's likely Emery would love another chance to impress as he has struggled during his time in net by giving up nine goals in 159 minutes and has an ugly save percentage of .800. Salak, on the other hand, has been stellar and has the numbers to back it up with four goals allowed in 124 minutes and a .929 save percentage.

One distinct advantage Emery has over Salak is NHL experience, having played 173 games to Salak's two. He is 94-53-15 in his career with a .908 save percentage.

"They kind of know what to expect from me in there as far as my track record goes," said Emery, 28. "I expect to get better and better as the year goes on. I feel good. It's a weird situation for me."

Said Quenneville: "We still have time to look at it and sort it out. We're going to do what we feel is best for us short term and long term at that position."

Drawing card: The experiment to move Patrick Kane from right wing to center continues, but it already has proved successful in one area. Kane, who still has stiffness in his left wrist following offseason surgery, has been very good on faceoffs in two exhibition games.

Kane was 8-for-12 in his preseason debut Wednesday night against the Wings and followed that up with a 6-for-9 effort Friday night against the Penguins. That 66.7 percent success rate is far above Kane's career average of 43.0. Last season, Kane was 2-for-14 at the dot (14.2 percent).

Some hard work during practice appears to be paying off. During Friday's morning skate before the game against the Penguins, Kane squared off in a faceoff drill against teammate Jonathan Toews, one of the NHL's leaders at draws last season when he finished eighth in the league with a 56.7 percent success rate. Eventually, the drill turned into a competition that ended with Toews pumping his fist after winning the final faceoff.

"(Toews) was happy, he'll take the win — that's the kind of guy he is," Kane said. "We're both pretty competitive. … Hopefully that can make me better going up against him."

Making a bid: With the Hawks banged up at forward due to injuries to Viktor Stalberg (knee), Ben Smith (concussion) and Dave Bolland (upper body), roster spots could be available heading into the regular season.

Center Brandon Pirri has worked his way into the mix. After two goals against the Penguins, Pirri leads the team in scoring with four goals and an assist in three games played.

"My stick's been hot lately," Pirri, 20, said. "I'm just trying to work hard show the brass what I can do."

The final job could come down to Pirri, Brandon Saad or Marcus Kruger as the Hawks will need to compensate for the loss of Stalberg for up to three weeks and the two-game suspension to start the season for Daniel Carcillo.

"I'm just trying to do whatever it takes to make this roster," Pirri said. "Fourth line, backup goalie, it doesn't matter."